The Basic Commands All Dogs Should Know

Teaching your dog commands is one of the most rewarding aspects of dog ownership. By introducing essential commands and also trying more difficult ones, you help your dog understand basic rules and improve their behavior, all while creating a stronger bond between the both of you.

Whether you’re starting with simple commands like “sit” and “stay” or working up to more advanced ones, training your dog to understand commands helps build obedience, trust, and confidence. Explore everything you need to know on dog commands, including helpful tips for making training effective and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend!

Teaching Your Dog Commands: Essential Ones All Pups Should Know

No matter the breed, age, size, or color, there are three essential commands that all dogs should know. These commands not only help to set the foundation for teaching your dog other commands but provide essential control and safety measures that your dog needs.

Three important dog commands that you should consider teaching first include:

• Sit – This command promotes impulse control and serves as a foundation for other commands, making it easier to manage your dog in various situations.
• Stay – This command prevents your pup from rushing into unsafe situations, like running into traffic or approaching anything hazardous. It also reinforces patience and self-control.
• Come – This command ensures that your dog will return to you, even in potentially dangerous situations, such as when they are distracted or off their leash.

The Easiest and Hardest Commands for Your Dog to Learn

As you begin training your dog to understand commands, it’s helpful to know which commands are easier to teach and which ones may take a bit more time and effort to master.

In addition to “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” the easiest dog commands to master, thanks to their simplicity and rate of success, as well as their ability to quickly engage your dog’s attention, include:

Due to the following requiring a higher level of coordination, focus, and repetition, the more challenging commands for your dog to learn include:

10 Tips and Tricks to Teach Your Dog Commands at Home

Using the right techniques can help ensure your dog learns their new commands quicker and with more confidence. Check out these ten tips and tricks we’ve compiled to make training your dog to understand commands easier and more effective!

1. Start with the Basics

As previously mentioned, begin by introducing the more basic dog commands first. This helps build a foundation for learning more complex commands and will set the tone for future sessions.

Remember that these commands are simple, yet powerful!

2. Combine Both Verbal Cues and Hand Cues

Try to pick one clear word for each command and stick with it. For example, always say “sit” when you want your pup to sit, without changing it to “sit down” or “sit, please” later on.

Additionally, dogs are great at reading your body language! Try to pair your verbal cues with a hand gesture. For instance, when saying “sit,” raise your hand with a flat palm above their head.

3. Practice in Short and Frequent Sessions

Be sure to keep each training session brief but consistent. A good schedule to go by includes 5-10 minutes of focused practice on teaching dog commands, then repeating the session two to three times per day.

This is the best way to teach your dog commands without overwhelming them.

4. Reinforce Immediately After the Command

When your dog obeys a command, use positive reinforcement to reward them immediately. Using praise, treats, or playtime can help them connect the desired behavior with the reward and reinforces the learning process.

5. Add Duration to Commands

Once you have mastered a basic dog command like “sit,” begin to add in duration time.

For example, once they sit, try to wait a few seconds before rewarding them, then gradually increase the time before they get their reward. This teaches your pup patience and focus, setting them up for success when learning the next command!

6. Only Introduce One Command at a Time

Avoid overwhelming your dog by focusing on teaching just one command at a time. Once they consistently respond to the command without hesitation, feel free to move on to the next one.

This gradual approach ensures that there aren’t too many commands for your dog to learn at once, making learning more manageable and fun for them.

7. Practice in Different Locations

To help your dog generalize the command, practice it in different areas of your home and yard. This helps your pup learn to follow the command in various settings, something that is especially beneficial for when you need to implement the command outside of your home or specific training space.

8. Use a Calm Tone

When teaching your dog commands, speak in a calm, clear, and confident tone, because dogs are sensitive to the tone of your voice. A gentle, but assertive voice helps them feel secure so they are more likely to respond positively.

Some of the things you should avoid to keep a calm tone include:

• Raising your voice
• Shouting
• Sounding frustrated

9. Gradually Introduce Distractions

Once your dog consistently obeys a command in a calm setting, it’s time to increase the challenge. Introducing distractions helps your dog learn to focus and respond to your commands, even in more public environments.

Some distractions to consider introducing include:

• Other people being in the room
• Outdoor noise, such as the sounds of cars passing by
• Other pets being nearby
• Toys or treats placed within sight
• Background noises, like music or the TV

10. Be Patient

Patience is crucial when teaching your dog new commands. Every dog learns at their own pace, so be sure to not rush the process or get frustrated.

If your dog doesn’t get everything right away, remain positive and keep practicing! Negative reinforcement can confuse or frighten your dog, while hurting your progress.

Let Us Assist in Training Your Dog to Understand Commands

Here at Pet Palace, we specialize in teaching your dog commands that promote better behavior and safety. Our expert trainers are here to help you and your dog master a variety of commands, from the basics to more advanced skills, all while using positive reinforcement techniques.

Our dog training services include:

• Polite Puppy Program – Basic obedience and socialization for puppies
• Basic Adult Program – Focused training for adult dogs to learn essential commands
• Advanced Adult Program – Customizable training for pups that are 8 months or older

We currently offer dog training services at our Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cary, and West Chester locations. Simply book your pup’s reservation to begin the training process!

Contact Pet Palace Today!

If you have any questions about teaching your dog commands, or need additional training assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of professionals. We’re excited to assist you and your furry friend throughout this learning process!

Categories: All Posts, Dogs, Tips for Your Pets